‘Increasing the quality of programs and services for adult learners’

Serving as the Dean of the Division of Extended Learning at Houston Community College, my administrative tenure has been devoted to making a difference and serving our most vulnerable and forgotten in society. This scope and opportunity allow me to engineer a vision that provides district-wide leadership and campus-based management for the largest workforce education operation in the nation. Through seven major reporting units, we serve adult learners in School of Continuing Education, Apprenticeship Programs, Corrections Education, VAST Academy, the Center for Health Care Professionals, Online Continuing Education, and the Accelerated Teacher Certification. Our division is able to reach and impact not only the academic and workforce needs of our adult learners, but also engage adult learners in programming that builds and develops self-esteem, confidence, self-efficacy, and motivation. As a result of this vision, our 47 programs have enrolled more than 16,700, students generated more than $16.3M in revenue annually and has placed over 80% in jobs related to their adult learning programming. During my tenure and in response to serving the needs of our adult learning and industry, we have launched new high growth, high demand programs in Corrosion Technology, Maritime Logistics, Cyber-Security, Nonprofit Management, and Industrial Technology and Energy. I have also led the reorganization effort of the division by crafting a bold new vision that integrates social justice and customer relations lifecycle modeling. This approach takes into consideration best practices from high-performing organization framework, CRM technology and a holistic approach to serving adult students, with special emphasis on Veterans, foster care youth, seniors, and those in lower socio-economic conditions. Additionally, I’ve worked with my division though facilitating professional development to enhance their skill set and help them navigate through the transition from a traditional education delivery systems to a more innovative service approach, where an adult-centric learning perspective is at the center of our operations, instruction, and services.

‘Increasing the visibility of adult learners and their achievements’

During my tenure at HCC, I established the first Alpha Sigma Lambda chapter in Houston Community College’s 46-year history. This took place in 2012 based on the need to recognize our adult learners, who work so hard and have many competing interests that oftentimes keep them from pursuing education Each year, HCC holds an awards banquet and induction ceremony for our adult learners and the faculty, who have excelled in Workforce related programs. In addition, the Workforce program under my prevue has been featured in the local media, in location publication such as the Houston Chronicle and also national wide produced publications such the Career Focus and Houston at Work magazine all highlight the achievements of workforce adult learners and faculty throughout the Houston area. These publications and television segments have reached over 1 million ones in the local Houston area. Further, Alpha Sigma Lambda has attracted the attention of our City Mayor, the Controller, the nonprofit community, as well as, Workforce development agencies at the local and state level. Each month at our institutions’ board meetings, we high an adult learning who’s excelled academically and professionally.

One of the biggest challenges I faced happened early in my career, at Houston Community College. I entered the role of Associate Dean of Workforce Development at one of the campuses. It was apparent that my arrival to this campus was seen as a sign of hope as there was much distress. The faculty was discouraged, defeated, and devastated. Staff was despondent and discouraged. Students were dismayed and disillusioned. The atmosphere was thick with distrust. As a result, enrollment suffered, the climate was at its lowest point, and student needs weren’t being met. Being a new leader, it was my duty to change this culture and rebuild trust. The task seemed insurmountable, given the past history, climate and distrust. Coming from a system officer perspective, which was broad and singular in scope, I had to transform my thinking and role to a micro level to involve multiple stakeholders in action. Each month at our institutions’ board meetings, we highlight an adult learning who’s excelled academically and professionally.

‘Fostering positive relationships between local ASLHS members and faculty/staff’

This role was a metamorphosis of both in consciousness and practice. In order to meet this challenge and solve the major problems, I had to devise a plan, not only on how to advance workforce development but also how to rebuild and change this depressed climate and usher in a sense of healing. This plan worked to build a structure, based on the framework of appreciative inquiry that calmed fears, built trust, continuity, team cohesion, and a focused direction of growth and development. Time was spent in facilitated meetings, working together brainstorming as a single unit to move towards organizational success. As a social science researcher and an educator from the humanist camp, I knew I had to work on the soul and spirit of the division. I did this by working to encourage faculty and staff through ropes courses, team building, and trust exercises. This work also allowed faculty and staff to be assigned to teams to create, present, and facilitate their ideas. I also began to recognize faculty and staff on their accomplishments. Mobilizing assets and initiating change from a grassroots level helped produced phenomenal results that lead to new policies to be developed, doubling the enrollment, greater division continuity, more partnerships with industry and, improved relationships. The heart of this work was the work of the heart. When you engage people at a level of trust with integrity and are consistent with action, you are able to obtain buy-in. This buy-in is what helps get the results to turn around an organization. Central to this work was the integration of Alpha Sigma Lambda staff and students who were inducted in the organization.

ASLHS helped provide a single focus and direction, which was serving the adult learner and helping support those students who had multiple social obligations and commitments. It helped us see our work in a different light.

The perspectives of the inducted adult learning honor students helped provide the narrative as to what we as faculty and administration should be all about. Hearing their voices and stories helped provide faculty a stronger link and connection to serving our adult students. ASLHS faculty and staff from across the district would routinely participate in our team building and student success seminars, by providing that voice that advocates for adult learners. Because of this integration of ASLHS inducted members, students, and faculty, with my work as Associate Dean and now as Dean, my team and I have been able to move the needle in transforming both instructional and operational practices that enhance the ultimate adult learning experience.

Ms. Hintz is the Director of Academic Support and Retention and an adjunct instructor at the University of Maryland University College (UMUC). In this role, she focuses on helping students achieve their educational goals, which includes developing tutoring services, recognition programs, and engagement activities for the university’s adult student population.

Shelly has been the chapter councilor for the Tau Chapter of Alpha Sigma Lambda for almost ten years, and also serves as an officer for two other honor societies at the university.

In the role of chapter councilor, Ms. Hintz has focused on increasing engagement and providing more opportunities for the membership. Ms. Hintz developed an online induction ceremony which allows all members to attend or watch, regardless of location. She developed and maintains the Tau Chapterwebsite and also manages the chapter scholarship. She helps Alpha Sigma Lambda members gain valuable experience through volunteering as UMUC mentors and peer tutors. As a board member at the national level, Ms. Hintz would be interested in exploring new ways to recognize and showcase Alpha Sigma Lambda members and their achievements.

Ms. Hintz received her Master’s of Arts in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies and her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland-College Park. She has been an active member of the Mid-Atlantic Region of UPCEA, serving on the conference planning and awards committees. She also has been involved in the development of the Maryland College Learning Center Association (MDCLCA).

In my family, pursuing higher education was an expectation. There was never a discussion of whether we would go to college, but rather where we would go to college. This was true for my generation, not so for that of my parents.

The son of a retail salesman and a homemaker, my father was one of eight siblings: four boys and four girls growing up with modest means. The girls became teachers right out of high school to help support the four boys’ college education. Once the boys graduated, the girls went on to college. On my mother’s side all attended college, some as adult students. My mom went to college at the same time as I did. I saw her work hard to achieve her professional goals later in life, and pull all-nighters working on her projects. She became my inspiration.

For the most part, I have spent my academic career working with adults and I have been an adult student as well.

The adult education field has taught me that those individuals who take the nontraditional road, those who go back to school to complete their degrees while juggling family, work, and other life events, work harder to reach their goals and their sense of accomplishment has deeper roots.

Representing Alpha Sigma Lambda at my school in a way helps me value the efforts our students make and celebrate those who accomplish academic excellence. Their life goals, their hurdles and how they overcome them encourage me to work harder, and remind me that I am a better person as a result of knowing them.

Dr. Altobello received an Ed.D. in Instructional Technology and Distance Education and an M.B.A. from Nova Southeastern University, an A.L.M. in Information Technology from Harvard University, and a B.S. in Business from Universidad Metropolitana (Venezuela).

Dr. Altobello is committed to lifelong learning. Her research interests relate to issues surrounding adult learners, including prior level assessment, retention, and quality in distance education. She has been the recipient of grants from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Center for Adult and Experiential Learning destined to study prior level assessment and retention in adult student populations. She has served as Chapter Councilor for Alpha Sigma Lambda since 2013 and was elected to the Board of Directors in 2017 as the member at large.

Matthew Neal Preston II, has continuously served his community and country as a representative of Alpha Sigma Lambda, serving 6 years of his life in the United States Army. Notwithstanding the military, he has served 1 year as a School of Liberal Arts Student Ambassador.

As a lifetime member of 20 ACHS recognized Honor Societies and an active participant in 11 student organizations, he has worked with various local community organizations including Paw’s Pantry, the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program, the Indy Dream Center, the Cesar Chavez Day of Service, and the MLK Day of Service. As if all of that was not enough, he also worked for IUPUI’s Philosophy Department as a Teacher Assistant for Symbolic Logic through the Federal Work Study Program for 1 year and currently works as a Graduate Research Assistant for the Institute of American Thought. At the close of his 3 calendar year tenure at IUPUI, Matthew will have completed 3 undergraduate majors in Philosophy, Political Science, and Latino Studies, 3 undergraduate minors in Women’s Studies, Legal Studies, and Spanish, a Master of Philosophy, and 2 Graduate Certificates in American Philosophy and Bioethics, while obtaining a highest distinction GPA of 3.972 and recognition as one of IUPUI’s Top 100 students. Matthew was also a recipient of the Presidential Volunteer Service Medal and was selected as IUPUI’s 2017 student commencement speaker.

Matthew’s devotion, passion, and intransigence in the face of adversity reflect greatly upon Alpha Sigma Lambda, Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis, the School of Liberal Arts, and the Department of Philosophy.

Latonia White-Jessie resides in Queens, New York, and graduated summa cum laude from Plaza College with her AOS in Accounting. She is currently pursuing her Bachelors in Business Management and maintains a 4.0 GPA. She is also a member of two college honor societies which are Alpha Sigma Lambda (ASL) and Sigma Kappa Delta (SKD). She graduated with her Bachelors in Business Management in June 2017.

Currently, Latonia resides in Queens, New York with her husband and three children. She is a member of Astoria Baptist Church where she is also taking Christian Leadership classes. Latonia gives all thanks to God for being her rock and foundation. Without God, she would not be the wife, mother, and student she is today. With a new found purpose in life, she will attain her Bachelor’s degree in June 2017. She will continue her education with her Masters in Accounting. Her ultimate goal is to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA).

Latonia is very humbled and honored to be a recipient of the 2016-2017 scholarship, and would like to thank the entire Alpha Sigma Lambda committee.

“My name is Corrine Edick and I currently live in Genoa, NY. After graduation from Paul V. Moore High School in 2009, I enlisted in the United States Navy. Stationed in Norfolk, VA as a Helicopter Aircrewman. I participated in humanitarian relief, cargo/troops transport, and locating/disarming mines. After an honorable discharge from the Navy, I earned my bachelor’s in biology at SUNY Cortland.My future plans include earning my degree as a Physician Assistant.

I hope one day to participate in humanitarian work in underprivileged countries.

I am grateful for the supportive advisory staff at SUNY Cortland.In particular, I would like to thank Cheryl Hines for her constant support and guidance.”

“I am a single mother who works full time and decided to return to school to complete my Bachelor’s Degree in 2014. I was born in Detroit, Michigan, but was raised in California for most of my life. Being a mother to my children is my first priority. Along with being dedicated to my own, I have a strong passion for working with youth. I have worked with underserved populations of youth for 20 years and am earning my degree in Criminology atMount St. Mary’s University in order to pursue a career as a juvenile probation officer.

I am determined to make a difference in the lives of youth by being a positive influence and providing various resources to help them make better life decisions. Returning to school after all of these years has been no easy feat, however, I am sure the reward, in the end, will prove to be well worth it.” – Tamika Hunter

Anne E. Killen is the Associate Vice President of the Center for Professional Studiesand Assistant Professor of Management at Keuka College in New York. Killen’s education includes a Master’s Degree in Adult Education and Doctor of Management degree, she has also earned graduate certificates in Human Resource Development and professional training.

Anne is a peer reviewer for the Academy of Management and has completed executive training in Leadership and Coaching at the National Leadership Institute, Adelphi, MD. Killen serves as Keuka College’s Alpha Sigma Lambda Chapter Counselor. Outside of Keuka College, she volunteers for a local hospice home and as a seamstress for Rachel’s Gift.

The William C. Hine scholarship has estimated $31,000 over the years funded by a fundraiser by him with individual contributions. William C. Hine was instrumental in establishing ASL and his ability to get the university to stand behind ASL. He gave a lot of time and support to Alpha Sigma Lambda.

“I have been at Regis University for over seventeen years teaching students in the College of Contemporary Liberal Studies as Affiliate and Lead Faculty. I work for Jesuit Worldwide Learning, which provides Higher Education to those at the Margins, a diploma awarded by Regis University. I had been in the role as advisor for two honor societies including Alpha Sigma Lambda where I helped our students manage and coordinate events to provide knowledge and entertainment to its members and campus community. My varied roles demonstrate an eclectic background but all with the sole purpose of my passion for serving the student and learner.” – Karen Cordova

The Secretary, with the cooperation and assistance of the ASL Home Office, is responsible for the compilation and reporting of responses to the Annual Status Report forms. The Secretary distributes and maintains the official minutes from each board meeting for archival purposes.

Maria R. Altobello is the Interim Dean of the College of Graduate and Professional Studies at Franklin Pierce University. She joined the faculty in 2001. Prior to becoming the Interim Dean, she was serving as Associate Dean
since 2012. She received an Ed.D. in Instructional Technology and Distance Education and an M.B.A. from Nova Southeastern University, an A.L.M. in Information Technology from Harvard University, and a B.S. in Business from
Universidad Metropolitana (Venezuela).

Strategic management consulting, new investment opportunities, financial management, database design and implementation, and project management are among Dr. Altobello’s main areas of expertise. Some of the industries in which she has worked include: oil, precious metals, procurement, engineering, media, publishing, banking, and education. She has taught courses in Accounting, Database Systems, Client/Server Computing, Web site Development, and Information Systems to undergraduate, graduate, and continuing education students.

The Member-at-Large represents the interests of the Chapter Councilors to the Board,and stands ready to assume the duties of other Board Members who are unable to fulfill their responsibilities to ASL. The Member-at-Large has full voting privileges and participates in all Board activities.